Changing power equations prior to assembly elections

Gazala Hassan
With their political agendas ready they are in full fervour as they have all the reasons to be so. Its pre poll season and the vote bank politics as general assembly elections are a few months away from now. The most lingering Kashmir issue is being cashed upon these days. Terms like peace, autonomy, self rule, custodial killings, development and employment continue to make a buzz. The fast track recruitment drive is one of the pre poll activitities.Otherwise the eligible candidates have to wait for years together to face the nuisance of unknown recruitment policies of the government.
Past five and a half years of coalition led government have not been the only years of sufferings for common Kashmiris, but it has been prevailing from long now. The story is quite old and some people are at present agreeing upon their mistakes in the past. Again a political gimmick or let’s see!
Today some feel confident about the voter turnover and the participation of youth in the coming elections. At the same time some separatists seem to adopt flexibility and after the sacrifice of about one lakh Kashmiris they realize, “We have to be ready to accept lesser than freedom”. Today let it not be either of them (mainstream or separatists) speaking but let us give a patient hearing to the young voices of Kashmir.
Students of Islamia College of science and commerce, share their views on the coming elections:

Burhan-u-Din Gani
”Elections are meant for democracy, but we do not have democracy here as we are living under occupation. This is very much understood that elections are not going to be fair .Even if people vote it will be under compulsion or due to sheer ignorance about the Kashmir history and the ground realities. The crowd which is seen participating in the election campaigns is perhaps the hired one as poverty is equally cashed upon such occasions. Elections may be fair only if done under UN Charter.”

Wamiq Bashir
“Till today we have seen many regimes and have experienced all they did in past. I think all the separatists should contest this election and then let’s see what they do for Kashmiri.  Once they are in power they can do some good to the distressed Kashmiris”

Rashid Ashraf
“Holding election in the present scenario is simply a mockery. We want plebiscite under UN charter as we don’t trust India which has been a big slaughter house for all minorities which nobody can deny. India has maintained J&K by their might and wants to linger the Kashmir issue. How can these elections be trusted by us. Now the recent opening of Kashmir study center where in it is mentioned that Kashmir will be discussed under Indian point of view. Equally is the leadership disgusting. We can feel that the separatists are slowly removing the concept of free Kashmir from their agenda. What was the fun of giving more than a lakh sacrifices? It is pre polls and NC is found realising its mistakes but what happened in their regime cannot be undone.”

Syed Inam
“Elections are a base for democracy but here the question is who is contesting the elections. Are these our representatives? Are they really concerned? Do they love Kashmiris and regard their sentiments? On the other hand the separatists like hurriyat leaders who claim to represent the aspirations of common Kashmiris are rigid which won’t work. The recent union mode of various separatists is welcome and for me it’s a positive sign.”

Junaid Hussain
“We must boycott election. This is the way to show the world that Kashmiris are striving for a genuine cause. This voting is simply a mockery and I do not expect anything from the government of India. It’s not only India which is responsible Pakistan is equally not serious in resolving the matter.
Contesting election in the present scenario where there is mistrust, human rights violation, custodial killings, Kashmiri students languishing in Indian jails and a total chaos. Word ‘election’ is something ridiculous and entirely unexceptable.The amount of participation again speaks about the truth and unfortunately people in villages do vote as they are unaware and unknown to the happenings .And whom to vote -- these so called leaders. Who is our leader is again a big question to be answered. “

Mir Tafveez
“If separatists will participate in elections I think it will be something positive. Whether they represent the aspirations of Kashmiris or not will be clear. Otherwise also we are used to see these politicians changing their stands pre polls and once in power .What is required is awareness among people regarding Kashmir history, politics and also the ill treatment of Kashmiris at the hands of India.”

Farman Masood
“Fair elections are not possible under occupation. So called leaders have always betrayed innocent and ignorant people. The divided leadership is one of the biggest problems we have. I believe that the mainstream and separatists should have at least a consensus on certain issues like removal of troops and human rights violations and should work for these. Autonomy is the highest thing that Kashmir can get under Indian institution so UN needs to play a role in keeping the promise which was done to Kashmiris long back that is plebiscite.”

Shahkar Wani
“From decades now we have been facing the harassment, bloodshed lack of leadership and violation of our basic rights. These elections will do no good to us and thus should be boycotted. In fact holding election in such a situation is simply a joke for me. These so called leaders are seen making promises pre polls only to break them once in the power. I do not understand how Hurriyat can participate in the elections. Even if they intend to do so they will also become the mouth piece of the  Indian government.”